inhibits

verb

present tense third-person singular of inhibit
1
as in impedes
to create difficulty for the work or activity of the cold inhibited her from getting much work done that morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in regulates
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) laws designed to inhibit the powers of the intelligence organizations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in discourages
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action a fundamental sense of propriety should have inhibited you from making a drunken spectacle of yourself

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inhibits This inhibits collective action because each country, offered selective relief in some cases, has reason to cut its own deal rather than hold the line with the others. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 All the existing independent research on AI and the brain suggests that AI use inhibits our ability to learn . — Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026 Neem oil naturally inhibits fungal spores from spreading or penetrating plant leaves. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026 This variation may occur because citric acid inhibits bubble coalescence, similar to the additives in Diet Coke. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 Such dominance makes the league less attractive and, in turn, arguably inhibits international growth. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 July 2026 The worry of losing health benefits inhibits the ability for people, especially those with more health problems or complex conditions, to switch jobs or careers. — Bob Herman, STAT, 22 July 2026 In response, a coalition of nine environmental groups and two Native American tribes filed lawsuits saying that the move violates the ESA’s statutory language and inhibits its fundamental goals. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 19 July 2026 Copper foil tape, which inhibits their movements by reacting with their mucous and giving an electric shock, can be wrapped around garden bed frames, says Khan. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 19 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inhibits
  1. impedes
  2. regulates
  3. discourages
  4. hinders
  5. contains
  6. dissuades
  7. hampers
  8. restrains
Verb
  • Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.
    — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor in which an individual willfully disobeys or impedes a congressional investigation.
    — Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of impedes
Verb
  • Niacinamide — a multi-functional ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, regulates oil production, and calms and fades discoloration — is also in the mix.
    — Claudia Fisher, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also research that indicates microplastics cause disruptions to our endocrine system, which regulates our hormones.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of regulates
Verb
  • Silver discourages mildew, mold and bacterial growth through a natural chemical process.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly discourages co-sleeping with newborns under the age of 1.
    — Heather Gowen Walsh, Parents, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of discourages
Verb
  • True commitment allows strategies to develop and succeed, as indecision hinders progress.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Neptune retrograde hinders our intuition, leaving us lost in the fog.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026
Definition of hinders
Verb
  • Although the book contains a disclaimer saying some facts were changed, Palal argued that names, hotels and other details changed while the central account did not.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Seed butter contains nutrients naturally found in the whole seed, including protein, fiber, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals.
    — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of contains
Verb
  • Mulch also helps suppress weeds and dissuades strawberry pests like slugs.
    — Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Whether their internal strength at the position dissuades them from allocating money to Abrams remains to be seen.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of dissuades
Verb
  • That marks a 37% increase from the same time last year, as the Iran war hampers oil supply.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The lack of open pores in the soil also hampers the movement of air and water.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hampers
Verb
  • On that same front, Hoffman’s order restrains the NCAA from enforcing the rule of restitution.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Elsewhere on the canvas, Cassatt restrains herself to match Katherine’s discipline.
    — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of restrains

Browse Nearby Words

inhibitors
inhibits
inhospitable
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Cite this Entry

“Inhibits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inhibits. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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